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5 home hacks that will make your life way easier

Simple DIY solutions that will save you time — and help you scratch items off your to-do list.
CBC ·
(Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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When you're balancing work, kids and a social life while also trying to get to your weekly yoga class and stock your pantry with more than just Kraft Dinner, all of those little things you need to do around the house can easily fall by the wayside — and start piling up big time. As your new DIY fairy godmother, we're here to help! Here are some simple home hacks that will save you time and help you scratch a few lingering items off your to-do list. 

A plant nanny

With this easy solution, you'll never have to beg a friend to babysit your plants while you're travelling again! The nanny will slowly water your plant over time, and should last about 1-2 weeks while you're away — but feel free to test it out ahead of time. If you're super forgetful? Refill the bottle with water to keep using in your daily life. 

  1. Water your plant so that the soil is damp to touch
  2. Take a wine bottle with a screw top cap
  3. Hammer 3-4 holes in the top of the cap
  4. Fill with water
  5. Turn upside down into your plant holder

Caulk it

Do you find that small rugs and runners shift and slide around on your hardwood or tile? Adding some caulk to the back of your rug will help prevent pesky slipping that can damage your floor. 

  1. Flip the rug on its back side
  2. Grab a caulking gun that's loaded with silicon, and start caulking the rug in straight lines
  3. Make lines up and down the rug about 4" apart
  4. Let dry for 24 hours 

​Duvet Dilemma

Don't dread washing your duvet cover any longer! This hack helps you get your duvet into your duvet cover with ease.

  1. Turn your duvet cover inside out 
  2. Grab the inside corners of the duvet cover
  3. Take the corners of the duvet in your hands, still holding on to the corners of your duvet cover
  4. Flip the cover back to the right side, while shaking the cover out, over your duvet

Electrical box invisibility cloak

Do you have an electrical box or thermostat in the middle of your wall that's stinking up an otherwise beautifully styled room? Cover it with a piece of art you already have in the house! By putting your frame on hinges, you'll be able to hide the box or thermostat while still keeping them easily accessible. 

  1. Take a piece of artwork and screw hinges into one of the sides
  2. Screw hinges into the wall

Paper plate shield

Avoid getting dust in your face and eyes when you drill a hole in the wall or ceiling by trying out this solution! Put a paper plate over the drill bit, so it catches all the excess dust.

Have you tried out any of these home hacks? Did we miss any tricks that save you time at home? Let us know on our Facebook page.